PAKISTAN -ARGENTINE ECONOMIC TIES TO BE STRENGTHENED-Says ZAHID HAMID

Islamabad, June 15, 2006

Federal Minister for Privatisation & Investment Mr. Zahid Hamid expressed the hope that economic ties between Pakistan and Argentine will be further strengthened for which the private sector of the two countries could play a major role. The Minister stated this during a meeting with the Ambassador of Argentine Republic to Pakistan Mr. Rodolfo J. Martin Saravia who called on him here today.

Mr. Zahid Hamid further stated that Pakistan had a very liberal investment climate, with remarkable incentives for both local and foreign investors. Foreign Direct Investment had crossed US $ 3 billion, in 2005-06, its highest level ever. Moreover privatisation proceeds of Rs.218 billion in this year were also highest in the history of the Privatisation Commission.

The process of privatisation was simple, competitive, open, fair, transparent and provided level playing field to the domestic and foreign investors, the Minister stated.

We look forward to the Argentinean investors/ business groups visiting Pakistan to explore and identify the investment & privatisation opportunities and to take advantage of the facilities being extended to the private sector, he said.

The Argentinean Envoy Mr. Rodolfo J. Martin Saravia stated that Argentine would make efforts to strengthen economic relations by exploring new avenues and opportunities for the promotion of investment and trade relations between the two countries.

The envoy lauded Pakistan's achievements on the economic front under the leadership of President Pervez Musharraf, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and the entire economic team.